Ambien
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drug library.
Brand name:
Ambien
Pronounced: AM-bee-en
Generic name: Zolpidem tartrate
Why is Ambien prescribed?
Ambien is used for short-term treatment of insomnia (difficulty
falling asleep or staying asleep, or early awakening). A relatively
new drug, it is chemically different from other common sleep
medications such as Halcion and Dalmane.
Most important fact about Ambien
Sleep problems are usually temporary and require medication for
a week or two at most. Insomnia that lasts longer could be a sign
of another medical problem. If you find that you need this medicine
for more than 7 to 10 days, be sure to check with your doctor.
How should you take Ambien?
Ambien works very quickly. Take it just before going to bed.
Take only the prescribed dose, exactly as instructed by your
doctor.
--If you miss a dose...
Take Ambien only as needed. Never double the dose.
--Storage instructions...
Store at room temperature. Protect from extreme heat.
What side effects may occur?
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in
intensity, tell your doctor immediately. Only your doctor can
determine whether it is safe to continue taking Ambien.
-
More common side effects may include:
Allergy, daytime drowsiness, dizziness, drugged feeling,
headache, indigestion, nausea
Why should Ambien not be prescribed?
There are no known situations in which Ambien cannot be
used.
Special warnings about Ambien
When sleep medications are used every night for more than a few
weeks, some may lose their effectiveness. Remember, too, that you
can become dependent on some sleep medications if you use them for
a long time or at high doses.
Some people using Ambien--especially those taking
serotonin-boosting antidepressants--have experienced unusual
changes in their thinking and/or behavior. Alert your doctor if you
notice a change.
Ambien and other sleep medicines can cause a special type of
memory loss. It should not be taken on an overnight airplane flight
of less than 7 to 8 hours, since "traveler's amnesia" may
occur.
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Also see more information on Ambien Oral from the
First Databank
drug library.
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